Rangers face problem of ‘international relations proportions’ with Nicolas Raskin
Nicolas Raskin will certainly be the centre of headlines at Rangers once he returns to Ibrox.
The midfielder has had an apparent falling out with Russell Martin at the Gers and was left out of the squad to face Celtic in the 0-0 draw on 31 August.
Kevin Thelwell has confirmed talks will be held with Raskin in the coming days, with the 24-year-old shining for Belgium during the international break, scoring his first goal for the Red Devils against Kazakhstan on 7 September.
Martin needs to be wary of his situation at Ibrox, with the Scottish manager coming under intense criticism from the fanbase, and all eyes may now be on him.
Nicolas Raskin diplomacy needed at Rangers after Belgium heroics
Martin has an urgent priority to get Raskin back into his plans at the Gers after his performance for Belgium, Fraser Wilson says.
The Daily Record journalist believes “diplomacy of international relations proportions” may be needed at Ibrox to fix the situation with the ex-Standard Liege star.
Wilson wants to see the Scottish manager compromise, as it would be “criminal” not to let the midfielder into the fold at the Glaswegian outfit after rubbing shoulders with the likes of Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne.
- Raskin joined the Gers for £1.32m in January 2023.
- The midfielder made 48 appearances for the Light Blues last season, providing 11 assists.
- The Belgian star’s current contract at Ibrox expires in 2027.
The journalist wrote in the Daily Record on 9 October: “The delicacy of the situation which saw the midfielder bombed out of the squad ahead of last month’s Old Firm might well call for diplomacy of international relations proportions. But one look at the 24-year-old’s impact in Europe this week shows the urgency of the situation facing Martin and Rangers.
“That’s why — for all his opinions and questioning of what he’s being asked to do by a manager — Martin should be trying to embrace the quality at the same time as keeping the player’s ego in check. It would almost be criminal to allow Raskin to head off for a week and mix with that company but not offer his views on his return.”
Read More: Martin creates own problems after Joe Rothwell development
Russell Martin midfield trio picks itself at Ibrox
Raskin should be the first name on the teamsheet for Martin, with the Belgium international arguably one of the best players in Scotland.
The Scottish manager has experimented with the midfielder’s role in the team this season, which has led to a dip in his performances, and that needs to change in the coming matches.
Mohamed Diomande’s form has also been hit at Ibrox, and the Cote d’Ivoire international was undoubtedly a better player last season with Raskin by his side.
The Belgian star and the ex-Nordsjaelland star arguably pick themselves in the Rangers midfield, and Lyall Cameron should be the third of the trio that starts for Martin against Hearts on 13 September after his impressive displays since joining from Dundee.
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